Maye Watch: Patriots QB develops connection with TreVeyon Henderson

It was the biggest play of Tuesday's practice. First-team offense versus first-team defense. Just seconds on the clock. Third down.

Of his five eligible targets on the field, Drake Maye looked for rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson.

Against an all-out blitz look, Maye bought time by taking the snap and immediately moving to his right. Henderson saw what was coming and understood how he could help, freeing himself up in the right flat. Maye found him quickly, and the resulting big gain is what ultimately set up a 43-yard field goal from Andy Borregales.

Not even 20 practices into his pro career, Henderson has already established himself as one of the top playmakers in New England's offensive huddle. It's clear Maye trusts him enough to look his way frequently as a receiver, as he did early in last weekend's preseason win over the Vikings. A subtle tug on Henderson's shoulder by a Vikings defender appeared to be the only thing that prevented Maye and Henderson from hooking up on a wheel route down the field.

Though Henderson appreciates the run he's seen with starters, though he has to sense that he'll factor significantly into offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels' plans, he's not necessarily buying his own hype.

"I don't really pay attention to all the social media stuff," Henderson said after Tuesday's practice. "The biggest thing I know, people praise me now because I have this success. But I feel like it doesn't come from true love. At the same time, people see me as a football player, so if things come crashing down, I know that love turns into hate. The biggest thing is I keep my eyes on God and focus on what he sees in me."

Maye's going to need Henderson to remain a reliable weapon out of the backfield if the Patriots are to reach their ceiling offensively in 2025. He'll also need a receiver group led by DeMario Douglas, Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins to outperform expectations.

Tuesday's practice, which featured plenty of starter-on-starter work, provided a glimpse of how things might look for Maye with this season's complement of weapons. The results were mixed, but they provided glimpses -- particularly when Henderson got involved -- of the kind of situational competency that head coach Mike Vrabel covets.